Domaine Vincent Dauvissat Chablis Les Preuses Grand Cru 2022
(Burgundy, France) - [WA 97+] [VM 96+] [DM 96] [JM 94-97] [BH 94]

About the Winery:
Domaine Vincent Dauvissat is arguably the finest Domaine in Chablis. Established in the 1970s by Robert Dauvissat, the Domaine has passed down from father to son for three generations. Robert’s son René is to thank for establishing the reputation of the Domaine. Vincent began working with his father, René, in the 1970s and today runs the Domaine. A loyal following among France’s most esteemed restaurateurs sharply limits the availability of Dauvissat wines for export. Despite limited quantities, the wines have attracted the praise and attention of critics worldwide.

Vincent Dauvissat farms nearly 30 acres of meticulously kept vineyards, following sustainable, organic and biodynamic methods. These vines (4.5 acres of Vaillons, 2 of Séchets, and 9.4 of Fôrets among the Premiers Crus; 2.5 of Preuses and 4.5 of Les Clos among the Grands Crus) are splendidly situated on hillsides underlain by Jurassic limestone. Yields are limited to about 50 hectoliters per hectare (3.7 tons per acre), modest by the standards of the region.

About this Wine:
Les Preuses is one of the most distinctive and character-driven of Chablis' seven Grand Cru vineyards. Covering approximately 11.4 hectares in total, this prestigious site sits on the western side of the Grand Cru hill, extending from Les Clos in the south to Bougros in the north. Within this renowned terroir, Domaine Vincent Dauvissat cultivates 0.7 hectares of vines, creating one of the estate's most sought-after wines.

The etymological origins of the name "Les Preuses" remain debated among historians, with some suggesting it derives from "preux," referring to the valiant knights of medieval times, while others connect it to "pierreuse," indicating the particularly stony nature of the vineyard. Whatever its origin, the name has come to represent one of Burgundy's most exceptional white wine terroirs. The Dauvissat family acquired their parcel after 1950 and replanted it in 1970, with these mature vines now producing wines of remarkable depth and complexity.

Tasting Notes:
Vincent Dauvissat's Les Preuses Grand Cru is celebrated for its remarkable power combined with uncommon elegance. In its youth, the wine displays aromas of citrus blossoms, green apple, white peach, and pear, complemented by distinctive mineral notes of oyster shell, flint, and crushed stone. With bottle age, more complex aromas emerge, including dried apricot, honey, nuts, mushroom, and distinctive aniseed and mint notes that many consider the signature of Les Preuses.

On the palate, Les Preuses presents remarkable texture and depth while maintaining precision and finesse. The wine combines substantial body with vibrant acidity and a remarkably fine tannic structure that contributes to its exceptional aging capacity. The finish is extraordinarily long, with mineral persistence that can last several minutes.

While approachable after 5-7 years in bottle, a well-cellared Vincent Dauvissat Les Preuses will continue to evolve and improve for 15-25+ years in favorable vintages. At maturity, it develops remarkable complexity while maintaining freshness and mineral intensity, ranking it among the world's most age-worthy white wines.

Ratings & Reviews

97+ Points - Wine Advocate:
"An example of purity and stony tension, Vincent Dauvissat’s 2022 Chablis Grand Cru Les Preuses is the crowning achievement of an extraordinary portfolio. With an understated Chablisien character, it opens in the glass to reveal a marine bouquet of oyster shell and iodine mingling with lemon zest and white flowers. Refined and laden with incisive acids, an abundance of chalky structuring extract and with a persistent, searingly saline finish, it is more ethereal and elegant than Les Clos yet possesses all the prerequisites to age as gracefully—provided the cork holds." - Kristaps Karklins (Mar 2025)

96+ Points - Vinous Media:
"The 2022 Chablis Les Preuses Grand Cru seems to have closed down on the nose as it is wont to do. It is hanging a sign that says: Come back in a decade. The palate is magnificent though: intense, very delineated, subtle hints of nougat and lemongrass, that spiciness/pepperiness on the finish that nails it as a Les Preuses and a very sustained aftertaste. Outstanding, but you will need to wait for this." - Neal Martin (Aug 2024)

96 Points - Decanter Magazine:
"Dauvissat has two sizeable plots in Les Clos, one mid-level, the other a little higher. This has plenty of sweet fruit and quite a hit of oak at the moment. With more time in the glass, zesty orange and kumquat notes emerge together with thrilling acidity. Once in bottle and given a few years' ageing, this will be a thrilling example of Les Clos." - Andy Howard MW (Oct 2023)

94-97 Points - Jasper Morris ' Inside Burgundy:
"The name of the vineyard is a version Pierreuses, referencing the huge blocks of stone underneath a reasonable marly topsoil. The 2022 displays a really complex nose, a bit of sun on the stones, the cailloux chauds of the amphitheatre in which Vincent Dauvissat’s holding sits. Then follows a massive development of fruit on the palate too. There is really a huge volume of fruit at the back, with a little iodine touch throughout. Makes one salivate! Drink from 2032-2045." (May 2023)

94 Points - Allen Meadows' Burghound:
"More elegant and cooler aromas are comprised by the essence of apple, citrus zest, iodine and shellfish nuances that, much like the 2023, include a hint of crushed tarragon. The rich, generously proportioned and gorgeously textured flavors are at once powerful yet refined; indeed there is a Zen-like character to the sneaky long, impeccably well-balanced and wonderfully harmonious finale. Marvelous and a wine that should age effortlessly over the next 12 to 15 years." (Oct 2024)